Hundreds of people are dead from Europe’s heatwave, in a continent where air conditioning is not the norm. But while ACs may save lives, they can also make the problem worse.

While nearly 90% of US homes have air conditioning, in Europe it’s around 20%, and some countries have much lower rates.

Atmospheric patterns are trapping hot air for days, driving temperatures steadily higher – a phenomenon exacerbated by global warming, experts say

Can We Air-Condition Our Way Out of Climate Change?: No. But in the midst of intense heat waves it may be necessary to save lives.

Europe's record-breaking June heatwave has once again raised questions about low levels of air conditioning adoption in the continent.

Only 20% European homes have AC, compared to 90% in the U.S., but as the climate changes, that vast gulf may be set to shrink.

Hundreds of people are dead from Europe’s heatwave, in a continent where air conditioning is not the norm. But while ACs may save lives, they can also make the problem worse.